Chinese envoy calls on Libyan parties to stick to bottom line of peace

A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on the parties in Libya to stick to the bottom line of peace and refrain from any action that may complicate the situation.

The 11-year-old conflict in Libya has brought disastrous consequences to the Libyan people with far-reaching spillover effects on Africa, the Sahel region in particular, and the Mediterranean. It is the shared hope of the Libyan people and the international community for the Libyan peace process to stay on the right course, make continued progress, and achieve lasting peace as soon as possible, said Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.

Nevertheless, for some time now, the differences and tensions between the parties in Libya have intensified. The momentum built up since last year is losing steam. The uncertainty of the political process has increased. All these are extremely regrettable and worrying, he told the Security Council.

"The current cease-fire in Libya has been hard-won. A relapse into conflict will unravel all the gains of peace over the past two years," warned Dai.

China has noted that all parties in Libya have generally stayed calm and exercised restraint at this critical moment. China hopes that they will continue to seek political settlement and avoid taking any action that may complicate the situation, he said.

All parties that have influence on the situation in Libya should adhere to the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned principle and play an active and constructive role in this regard, he said.